Time domain functional NIRS imaging for human brain mapping

Abstract

This review is aimed at presenting the state-of-the-art of time domain (TD) functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). We first introduce the physical principles, the basics of modeling and data analysis. Basic instrumentation components (light sources, detection techniques, and delivery and collection systems) of a TD fNIRS system are described. A survey of past, existing and next generation TD fNIRS systems used for research and clinical studies is presented. Performance assessment of TD fNIRS systems and standardization issues are also discussed. Main strengths and weakness of TD fNIRS are highlighted, also in comparison with continuous wave (CW) fNIRS. Issues like quantification of the hemodynamic response, penetration depth, depth selectivity, spatial resolution and contrast-to-noise ratio are critically examined, with the help of experimental results performed on phantoms or in vivo. Finally we give an account on the technological developments that would pave the way for a broader use of TD fNIRS in the neuroimaging community.

Keywords: AOTF; CNR; CW; Continuous wave; DE; DTOF; Depth selectivity; FD; FEM; FWHM; Functional near-infrared spectroscopy; GI; ICCD; IEC; IRF; ISO; Instrumentation; International Electrotechnical Commission; International Organization for Standardization; LDF; MCP; MPE; NA; NIRS; OD; OTDR; PMT; Penetration depth; RTE; SC; SI; SPAD; SRS; TCSPC; TD; TPSF; Time domain; acousto-optic tunable filter; continuous wave; contrast-to-noise ratio; diffusion equation; distribution of time-of-flight; fNIRS; finite element method; frequency domain; full width at half maximum; functional near-infrared spectroscopy; graded index; instrument response function; intensified charge coupled device; laser Doppler flowmetry; maximum permissible exposure; micro-channel plate; near-infrared spectroscopy; numerical aperture; optical density; optical time domain reflectometer; photomultiplier tube; radiative transfer equation; single-photon avalanche diode; space-resolved spectroscopy; step index; supercontinuum; temporal point spread function; time domain; time-correlated single photon counting.